If you live in San Diego and are planning a trip to Costco, check out their latest product offering, VitaTops. These two-ounce, 100-calorie "muffin tops" have 6 grams of fiber and only 1.5 grams of fat. I think they're also only one Weight Watchers point. Plus, they have no cholesterol and no preservatives (meaning you'll want to store them in the freezer, defrost, and heat them up in the toaster to bring out their flavor).
But how do they taste? I tried the deep chocolate flavor (they have 15 altogether) and was impressed. Is it like getting your favorite muffin or cupcake from the bakery? No. But I still liked the texture -- perfect when you're watching calories but craving that unique sensation of biting into a piece of cake -- and the flavor was rich and intensely chocolate. Really, it's not a bad alternative to eating rich, fattening baked goods.
Next Saturday is Valentine's Day and San Diego is brimming with places to take your special person and sweet treats to surprise them with. I've compiled a list of restaurants and other places with V Day edibles. At the bottom of the list is yet another list of websites with wonderful Valentine's Day recipes.
I'll be on KPBS radio's These Days with Maureen Clancy to talk about Valentine's Day foods on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. In San Diego, you can listen at 89.5 fm. Otherwise, go to www.kpbs.org to listen live or podcast later.
Valentine's Day Offerings in San Diego
Acqua Al 2 –3-course menu at $65 per person (does not include tax and gratuity). Seatings at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Complimentary champagne toast at the 9 p.m. seating. Acqua Al 2 will be giving roses to all of the women that evening. The menu can be viewed online.
Valentine's Festival Menu Tuesday - Sunday, February 10 - 15, 2009, 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm;$56 per adult, tax & gratuity not included; for reservations Call: 858.433.0483; 14701 Via Bettona, Suite 200 in SantaLuz.
Amuse Bouche
Choice of Appetizer: Ahi Tuna Tartare, Passion Fruit Gelee, Micro Rainbow Mix
Warm Goat Cheese "bûche" dusted in Pistachio, Organic Beet Salad
Diver Scallop Carpaccio, Celery and Leek Veloute, Spanish Chorizo
Award Winning Duck Foie Gras "au torchon", Black Mission Fig Mousseline, Toasted Brioche
Choice of Main Course: Beef Tenderloin, Winter Vegetables Mousseline, Port Wine Demi-glace
(ROSSINI - add $10)
Pan Seared Barramundi Fish, White Bean and Tomato Ragout, Basil Froth
Wyoming Pheasant wrapped in Foie Gras and Savoy Cabbage, Shaved Black Truffle
Chuao is offering a limited edition chocolate gift called the Love Feast: a chocolate flight for two. This is a truly luxurious chocolate experience created to be shared with someone special. The exotic aphrodisiac ingredients arouse your senses and unveil the ultimate chocolate seduction.
Includes six pairs of exotic bonbons and truffles:
•Parchita: Fresh passion fruit* blended into a soft caramel inside a heart shaped milk chocolate* bonbon
•Miel: Sweet honey* almond hazelnut praline in milk chocolate*
•Modena: Strawberry* caramel with balsamic vinegar from Modena in dark chocolate*
•Pucker Up: Tangy and sweet pomegranate* "pate de fruit" filled dark chocolate* bonbon
•Picante: A Napa Valley cabernet* caramel spiced up with Pasilla chile* and cayenne pepper* in a dark chocolate* bonbon
•Firecracker: Caramel fudge with chipotle chile* and salt, enrobed with a layer of popping candy and dark chocolate*
*aphrodisiac ingredients
The bakers at Con Pane are baking up something special for Valentine's day - Chocolate Bread Teddy Bears.These unusual Teddys are adorned with a red bow and nestled in a white box with red tissue and paw print tissue.It's unique way to ask, "Will you be my Valentine?"Chocolate Bread Teddy Bears will be available Friday and Saturday, February 13th and 14th. 1110 Rosecrans St., Ste 100between Avenida De Portugal and Canon St. in Pt. Loma. 619- 224-4344
$55 per person, plus 19% service fee and 7.75% sales tax. Optional wine parings $22 per person; 655 West Broadway, Suite 150; for reservations, call 619-450-6450.
Cupcakes Squared, on Voltaire in Pt. Loma, will be offering their new Chocolate Raspberry and Strawberry cupcakes for both Friday and Saturday for Valentine’s Day. Their lovely rich chocolate cupcakes are baked with fresh raspberries and topped with chocolate buttercream and raspberry buttercream. Their fresh strawberry cupcakes are made with fresh strawberry and vanilla buttercream. They're decorated with hand-made sugar hearts and rose petals.
So for anyone planning to stay at home… for $5.50 you have a romantic sweet treat for two and with a red ribbon too.
Parisian Sweetheart Valentine's Chocolate Tasting Dinner: For $65 per couple, guests will enjoy four courses of French-inspired cocoa-infused fare complete with live violin serenades. Of course we have plenty of options such as an Artisan Cheese or Charcuterie Platter and a full wine menu with course pairings. Essentially, all you need do is find a sweetheart and enjoy an immersive experience.
Here's the line-up:
Cocoa-buckwheat crepe with Wild Mushroom Ragout French Onion Soup with White Chocolate Olive-oil Crostini Pink Peppercorn-crusted Pork Tenderloin with Cocoa, Cherry, and Shallot Jus -Or- Baked Fromager D'affinois with Cocoa, Cherry, and Shallot Jus Rose Petal Creme Brulee
-
Seatings on both Friday night (at 6:30 and 8:30 pm) and Saturday (at 4, 6, and 8 pm). You can make reservations by emailing info@eclipsechocolat.com or calling the cafe direct at 619-578-2984.
Skip the expensive dinner for two this Valentine’s Day and head straight to Extraordinary Desserts for a special Valentine’s quartet of decadent delights entitled ‘Be My Valentine’. Designed to be shared by two people, the limited-time ‘Be My Valentine’ dessert special will be available February 13, 14 and 15 at both Extraordinary Desserts locations (Little Italy and BalboaPark) and affordably priced at $25. The delectable quartet will be presented on an oversized plate for two and feature the following collection of romance inspired Extraordinary indulgences:
·L’Amour Chocolat - Raspberry crème brûlée and raspberry milk chocolate mousse layered between a raspberry chocolate cake. Each slice is “kissed” with a lip-shaped chocolate truffle and served alongside raspberry ice cream served in a mini tart shell and topped with fresh raspberries.
·Passion Brûlée - Passion fruit curd with tropical fruits and a coconut cream.
·Toasted Mini Caramel Macadamia Nut Cheesecake - Decadent caramel cheesecake and toasted macadamia nuts over a mini shortbread tart shell and topped with whipped cream. Served with vanilla and caramel sauce.
·Two Mini Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies - Double dipped in milk and dark chocolates.
Gorgeous truffles, mini bars, flourless cupcakes and more made in Fallbrook from certified organic Peruvian cocoa beans. American technique inspired by Peruvian flavors, with no preservatives. To get your Valentine chocolates in time for Valentine’s Day, you can go to these regional farmers markets:
·TUESDAY:
Escondido Farmer’s Market Grand Ave and Juniper
Summer: 3:30 to 7:00 pm.
Winter: 2:30 to 6:00 pm.
·FRIDAY:
Riverside Farmer’s Market Arlington St – Sears Parking lot, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
·SATURDAY:
Vista Farmer’s Market 325 South Melrose, Court House parking lot from 7:30 am to 11:00 am.
Del Mar Farmer’s Market Between 11 and 10th St.CaminoDel Mar, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Harbor’s Edge at the Sheraton San Diego:
3-course, fixed menu for $65/person featuring foods deemed "heart healthy" by the American Heart Association. Guests can select from items such as the persimmon frisee salad, halibut sangria and buffalo tenderloin while gazing out over the peaceful San DiegoBay marina. 1380 Harbor Island Drive. To make reservations, please call (619) 291-2900.
Valentine's Sunday Brunch/ Hotel Del Coronado- 2/15- 20% off adults/ kids-free .Reserv. 619-522-8490. Mention special brunch offer.
1500 OCEAN, The Del’s signature ocean view restaurant, is an intimate dining option to take your special someone. On Valentine’s Day, Chef Brian Sinnott will create magnificent “just for two” menu options utilizing fresh, regional food and wine selections from Santa Ynez to Cabo San Lucas (prices vary).
The perfect setting for romance, ENO Wine Room focuses on the three most delectable indulgences in the world — fine wines, rare cheeses and gourmet chocolates. For a special Valentine’s Day treat, join Wine Director and Sommelier Ted Glennon on February 14 from 4pm to 5:30pm for a chocolate and wine tasting, featuring phenomenal confections by Jack Fisher and Isabella Valencia.
If you're roaming the Little Italy Mercato on Saturday, pick up a coffee drink at the big orange truck otherwise known as Joe's on the Nose and enjoy the cutest little heart-shaped foam these barristas can create -- along with a great cuppa (organic) Joe!
Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe menu $49pp;616 J Street at the corner of 6th Ave. Call for reservations: 619-531-8744.
Starters (Choice of)
Organic Mixed Greens
roasted pear, blue cheese, spiced candied pecans,
cognac-honey vinaigrette
Warm Laura Chenel Goat Cheese Salad
Cara Cara oranges with grilled radicchio, pistachios, and citrus vinaigrette
Duck Confit Salad
parsnip risotto, cherry reduction, and pine nut relish
Entrées (Choice of)
Seared Local Scallops
brussels sprouts leaves, smoked bacon, pomegranate seeds, and beet carpaccio
Grilled Petite Filet of Beef
balsamic roasted portobello mushroom atop of creamy mashed potatoes with herbed butter and red wine sauce
Vegetarian Butternut Squash Raviolis
Crow’s Pass Farm butternut squash, crispy chestnuts and pomegranate brown butter
Entrées to be Shared
Slow Roasted 24oz Boneless Ribeye
Brandt Farms best cut of all-natural beef with sea salt roasted potatoes, spring onions
and Béarnaise sauce
Whole Roasted Stripped Bass
crispy bass over radish gazpacho with almond cream and kaffir lime oil
Dessert (Choice of)
Valrohna Chocolate Decadence
ultra rich chocolate cake with rose petals, raspberries and vanilla reduction
Vanilla Panna Cotta
Sweet vanilla, cardamom cream, orange gelée, and a shortbread cookie
Lael’s Restaurant:
Lael’s is in the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, One Market Place (Harbor Dr. @ Market St.) Reservations: Taken By Lael’s Restaurant 619.358.6735. Parking: Validation is offered for either complimentary self-parking for three hours or $3 for three hours valet at the Adjacent the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
Choice of Chef Jevic Acain’s Three- Course or Four-Course Pre-Fixe Menu. Three Course Menu: $48 per person plus tax and gratuity. Four Course Menu: $58 per person plus tax and gratuity. Full a la carte menu also available.
Appetizers: Duck Confit Salad
frisse, Belgian endive, Asian pear, poached quail egg
pomegranate dressing
OR
Seared Sea Scallop and Foie Gras
celery root and apple puree
apple cider gastrique
Entrée: Apple Wood Smoked Filet Mignon
Humboldt Fog goat cheese, wild mushroom creamy polenta
port wine reduction
Couples enjoy Mistral’s vibrant Mediterranean menu highlighting organic fruits and vegetables from nearby farming communities, locally-caught seafood from the Baja coastal waters and a variety of herbs from the resort’s own organic garden. On Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Timothy A. Ralphs will offer a special four-course menu for $75 a person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are available from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and can be made by calling 619-424-4000 ext. 6300. Mistral is located in Loew’s Coronado Bay Resort. 4000 Coronado Bay Road.
Choice of:
Soup Roasted Parsnip Soup with Amontillado Sherry Drizzle
Valentines Prix Fixe Menu: Feb. 14 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Two-course dinner: $19.95, Three-course dinner: $24.95. Reservations required, cash only. 858-458-9050.
Appetizers Lobster Bisque with Croutons
Warm Asparagus Salad with Poached Egg and Hollandaise Sauce
"Tarte Fine" of Salmon Gravlax with Cream Cheese and Spring Mix Lettuce
Main Courses Petra Sole "Duglere" with Shallot and Tomato White Wine Sauce
Salmon cooked "Sous-Vide" with Saffron Sauce
"Coq au Vin" slowly cooked with "Lardons", Mushrooms and Red Wine Sauce
"Steak au Poivre", with Black Peppercorn and Cognac Sauce
The Main Courses are served with "Pommes Croquettes" & Arugula Salad
Dessert
"The Sweet Heart"
Heart Shaped Raspberry Mousse on a Chocolate Moelleux Biscuit
Plus, Opera Café & Patisserie is selling mini truffle bags filled with one dozen hand-made dark chocolate or hazelnut praline truffles ($6), a chocolate mousse heart cake for two ($11.95) and a truffle ballotin—gold boxes filled with dark chocolate and/or hazelnut praline truffles ($30/1 pound, $18/half pound). Pre-order gift by Thursday, Feb. 12.
Roseville:
Five-course dinner with choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert for $75. 1125 Rosecrans in the Village of Point Loma, 619-450-6800 for reservations.
AMUSE BOUCHE
HOUSE CURED SALMON GRAV LOX TARTINE
fennel confit, chive crème fraiche & caviar
APPETIZERS
HUDSONVALLEY FOIE GRAS TORCHON
Smoked rhubarb jam & hazelnut macaroon crumble
OYSTERS ON THE HALFSHELL
Half dozen with champagne mignonette
BRAISED BERKSHIRE PORK BELLY
5 pea ragout, red pearl onion & apricot-sauternes glaze
DUNGENESS CRAB TIMBALE
Ruby grapefruit, avocado relish & mint pistou
MIDDLE COURSE
COMICE PEAR SALAD
Smoked paprika-honey glazed marcona almonds, port soaked figs & cabrales
Sally’s Seafood on the Water Choice of Chef Sarah Linkenheil’s Three Course or Four Course Pre-Fix Menu Saturday, February 14, 2009 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Three Course Menu: $48 per person plus tax and gratuity Four Course Menu: $58 per person plus tax and gratuity $20 optional wine paring Full A la carte menu also available. Reservations: Taken by Sally’s Restaurant at 619.358.6740. Parking validation for either complimentary self-parking for 3 hours or $3 for three hours valet at the adjacent Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Market St. at San DiegoBay.
Pre-fix menu
Appetizers: mini crab cake and chef kaz’ sushi special or broccoli and kaffir lime soup
Entrée: seared Hawaiian snapper - sweet corn cream, English pea greens, grapefruit, chili oil
At Sbicca couples cuddle up by the cozy fire or relax on the ocean view terrace while they indulge in Chef Susan Sbicca’s special menu (attached) for Valentine’s Day, including a slice of seduction with the Chocolate Cherry Tango Cake with Coconut Crème. This divine dessert is to be shared by two; a decadent cake that is as provocative as pastry gets with its warm molten center, black cherries, coconut cream and caramel sauce all melted together. Couples will also enjoy extraordinary wines, fine spirits and great food in the romantic seaside village setting. 215 15th St Del Mar; 858-481-1001
On Saturday, February 14th, Sea Rocket Bistro will be offering reserved seatings for a special 4-Course Valentine's Day Prix Fixe to help you celebrate this romantic occasion. This is the menu we plan to offer, which is comprised almost entirely of new dishes not on our everyday menu, created by chef Christy. The menu will cost $45 per person and includes a complimentary glass of our house champagne but excludes tax, gratuity and other beverages. searocketbistro.com. 3382 30th Street. Although they usually have a no-reservation policy, they will be taking reservations for this special night. 619-255-7049 or e-mail elena@searocketbistro.com.
Creamy Fennel & Spinach Soup
OR
Pickled Local Farm Vegetable Salad
---
Chilled Citrus-Marinated Baja Diver Scallop Salad (like a ceviche)
OR
Chicken Pate served with caper berries, citrus rhubarb chutney and Cardamom Cafe ciabatta bread
---
Seared Local Fish with sauteed Sage Mountain greens and Temecula avocado honey glazed carrots
OR
Da - Le Ranch Pork Roast, slow roasted, with BBQ piniquito beans, brown rice, and kumquat glaze
OR
Portobello Mushroom Focaccia- a house made flat bread with portobellos, caramelized onions, and goat cheese
---
Chocolate Truffle Cake
OR
Sweet Tangerine Soup
Accepting reservations for Valentine's Day. Please email: cupid@starlitesandiego.com to make a reservation for dinner. For the single people out there...we'll be offering our tasty pulled pork sliders for $2 each at the bar only. Come treat yourself to a tasty snack and who knows who'll you'll meet at the bar, right? Or just come with some friends to have a drink. 3175 India St.
Special gift available only on Friday, enjoy a complimentary Kir Royal. $ 75.00 per person. 7612 Fay Ave., La Jolla. For reservations call 858-551-7500 Ext 1 or log on: www.TapenadeRestaurant.com
For Madame and Monsieur: Fingerfood
For Madame: Maine Lobster Salad with Mangoes, Lime and Olive Oil Dressing For Monsieur: Ahi Tuna "Tartar" Dressed with Sevruga Caviar For Madame and Monsieur: Wild Stripped Bass, Organic Baby Spinach, Vermouth Sauce For Madame: Veal Tenderloin Medallions, Valencia Orange Peel and Basil Sauce For Monsieur: Braised Short Ribs, Perigord Black Truffle Sauce For Madame and Monsieur: Valentine Dessert "Des Amoureux"
Planning special Valentine’s Day menu inspired by aphrodisiac foods proven to arouse the lust in us! (oysters, asparagus, figs, anise seeds, avocado and honey!); 3823 30th Street; 619-295-6464.
Starters
Warm Cheese Biscuits with Orange-Honey Butter
Pacific Oysters on the Half Shell, Lavender Lemon Mignonette
Pork Belly “Napolean”, Shredded Braised Pork Belly Stacked with Toasted Sesame Seeds, Grated Apple and Pickled Onion on House Made Cormeal Crisps
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If you live in San Diego and are planning a trip to Costco, check out their latest product offering, VitaTops. These two-ounce, 100-calorie "muffin tops" have 6 grams of fiber and only 1.5 grams of fat. I think they're also only one Weight Watchers point. Plus, they have no cholesterol and no preservatives (meaning you'll want to store them in the freezer, defrost, and heat them up in the toaster to bring out their flavor).![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=ef5c5ab9-4f58-46ff-8937-b1fce9213933)
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